Houston Faces Stadium Ultimatum

The Houston Dynamo are a virtual dynasty, having won championships in both of the seasons since the franchise was relocated from San Jose and are threatening to become the first three-peat championships in the league’s history. But team officials have sent a warning to the region’s political leaders that they too must do their part in helping secure a permanent home for the club; otherwise, the franchise could be on the move once again.“It almost has to [happen soon],” said Dynamo president/GM Oliver Luck at the team’s media day. “If it doesn’t happen by the end of the year – it’s the old saying, you know: A no is bad, a slow no is even worse. If there is no resolution by the end of the year, quite honestly we’ll have to go to plan B, whatever that is.”

While the city has spent $15 million to secure a six-block tract of land east of downtown meant for a 22,000-seat, $100+ million stadium, the Dynamo are looking for an additional $10 from the county to get things rolling. The club’s owners – Anschutz Entertainment Group – have offered to come up with the majority of the remaining finances needed, somewhere in the area of $70 million, but Hurricane Ike and the recent elections have slowed the process even further.

“We have a window now up until the end of the year, where we can get this thing done despite the economic challenges that exist in the market place,” Luck continued. “I’m pretty confident, and also because the elections are over; there isn’t any political grandstanding going on.”